John ELLERTON

According to the 1857 letter written by Edward Ellerton "my grandfather [John] resided there [Skelton Cote Farm] for about 30 years and then moved to Bellerby where his grandfather died and was buried. The place he lived was Bellerby, an estate of his own".

John owned and farmed properties at Barden Dykes and Skelton Cote, about 3 miles from each other. According to "A Topographical Dictionary of Yorkshire" (Langdale, 1822) Barden Dykes had consisted of three farmhouses - two of which were neglected in following years and have since been demolished. John later moved to his son Edward's farm at Melsonby, and was later buried there.
 
In his will of October 1772 "John Ellerton of Bellerby in the parish of Spennithorne" bequethed his estate as follows [bracketed notes were not shown in the will]:
- "All my wearing apparel" and £10 per annum to his son John.
- To his son George: £100 and "The East Dwelling house in Bellerby late in the possession of Thomas Thompson with the Turfhouse [?] Shop and other appertainces therewith occupied (the West end with the appertainces now being in the possession of ...... Scott) and also my share or allotment upon Bellerby Moor or Common containing by measurement four acres until his son John [b.1768] shall attain the age of 25 years, then I give and devise the same premises to my said grandson John Ellerton".
- Grandchildren [children of deceased daughter Barbara Bearpark]: John? £50, Christopher £50, Cicely £40, and Betty £40.
- The residue of the estate left to his son Edward [the sole executor]

Neither his wife or son Christopher were mentioned in the will, and it is assumed therefore that they had both died before the will was drawn up.


Page last updated: June 2008